Haemodialysis membranes modulate chronically the production of TNF alpha, IL1 beta and IL6.

As cytokines may play a role in the adverse effects of haemodialysis, TNF alpha, IL1 beta and IL6 were investigated before the haemodialysis session (chronic effect) and after 30 and 60 min (session effect). We found that haemodialysis exerts a chronic effect on cytokines but the type of haemodialysis membrane, Cuprophan or Hemophan, specifically influences each cytokine. Circulating levels of TNF and unstimulated production of TNF and IL1 by monocytes were increased in patients dialysed with Hemophan, whereas a greater LPS-stimulated production of TNF was observed in patients dialysed with Cuprophan. Both types of membrane induced a higher production of IL6 as compared to controls. The alternate use of Cuprophan and Hemophan demonstrated that the production of TNF and IL1 was dependent on the type of haemodialysis membrane. We also found that Cuprophan induced a reversible decrease of spontaneous and LPS-stimulated production of TNF, IL1 and IL6 during the haemodialysis session. Taken together, these results suggest that Hemophan induced a sustained production of cytokines whereas Cuprophan primed monocytes, probably through the activation of the complement pathway.